S. Africa survive nervy start against Australia in cricket test
Two quick wickets steady South Africa after Australia's second-string pace attack decimates batsmen, taking down five for 14 runs
South Africa hit back with two wickets after Australia's second-string pace attack dismissed the Proteas on a dramatic opening day of the third and final test at the WACA Ground yesterday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Proteas were bundled out for 225 despite more heroics from Adelaide test hero Faf du Plessis in a match that will decide the top-ranked nation.
However, the Proteas quickly struck back with a vengeance, claiming two Australian wickets in the hour before stumps.
Opener Ed Cowan was caught in slips by Jacques Kallis off pace spearhead Dale Steyn for a golden duck, before Shane Watson (10) was given out lbw to Vernon Philander on a decision review, after umpire Asad Rauf had turned down the initial appeal.
The home team were on 33 at the close, with David Warner on 12 and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon surviving a torrid examination from Steyn in the final over of the day to be seven not out.
While the South Africans were chasing a score of 300, recalled spinner Robin Peterson - who made 31 with the bat to be the second-highest scorer behind du Plessis' unbeaten 78 - said the two late wickets had renewed his team's spirits.